InterPro domain: IPR003703

Acyl-CoA thioesterases are a group of enzymes that catalyse the hydrolysis of acyl-CoAs to the free fatty acid and coenzyme A (CoASH). They consequently have the potential to regulate intracellular levels of acyl-CoAs, free fatty acids and CoASH. They may also be involved in the metabolic regulation of peroxisome proliferation.

This family includes acyl-CoA thioesterase 2 [ 1 ], acyl-coenzyme A thioesterase 8 [ 2 ] and peroxisomal long-chain acyl-CoA thioesterase 1 [ 3 ].

1. Cloning, sequencing, and characterization of Escherichia coli thioesterase II. J. Biol. Chem. 266, 11044-50
2. Overexpression of human acyl-CoA thioesterase upregulates peroxisome biogenesis. Exp. Cell Res. 297, 127-41
3. Identification of peroxisomal acyl-CoA thioesterases in yeast and humans. J. Biol. Chem. 274, 9216-23